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Reviews
Prometheus (2012)
Flawed, yet perfect.
Origin story for the 'Alien' species.
Not on the planet from the original film.
We do see an early version of the 'Alien' at the end. Presumably going off to infect another ship close by where a sleeping "Engineer" (our space jockey from 'Alien') will take off, getting only as far as the next planet/moon (LV426) where, at some point, he'll give birth to the Xenomorphs we all know.
As for our dynamic duo at the end, taking off in an 'Engineers' ship to their home planet . . . who knows?
The David character had me laughing with his very dry sense of humor, almost tasteless at times but that was totally the right way to go with him. Perfect casting.
Rest of the cast did well too, it was easy for me to tell who was who, where and when. Film was nice to look at too, no surprise really. Only flaw is that stupid characters still do stupid things but that's the same of most films. Anyone expecting the tone and action of 'Aliens' will be really disappointed. Anyone expecting a thought provoking film about genetics, the origins of man, theology and a really tightly wound story set in the 'Alien' universe won't be.
Slipstream (1989)
Great little film.
Compared with todays frenetic, kinetic, fast cutting, CGI laden crap this actually holds up fairly well.
I liked the actors, I liked the characters (each with a clear motivation) and I liked the settings. It was well shot, well edited and well written. And you know what, the story held my interest. Not like a lot of what I see today (story often gets lost over a 'great shot' or pointless effect).
Yes, the special fx are very 80's with some matte lines but I am very forgiving about that, this film is over 20 years old after all. Like the original Star Wars Trilogy (before George tinkered with it again, and again, and again), this film is best enjoyed with all it's flaws.
A simple film, well told story and great characters. A really good family film.
Doomsday (2008)
Bloody good fun!
Yes, in an era when $250 million monsters roll out into to cinemas struggling to give you a good time, along comes this little beauty.
The obvious nods to the great John Carpentr aside, there is so much more to appreciate about this film. Watch where the director places his camera. Listen to how the music works in tune with the pictures. Look in awe as you are entertained by David, not a $250 million Goliath.
Using his budget constraints brilliantly, the director and crew have done a fantastic job of making this world believable. And at a fraction of the price of I Am Legend (which I heard being advertised on DVD as an action epic!) If, like me you grew up in the eighties and the films you were reared on were Escape From New York, Mad Max and Aliens, you have to see this love note all of those (right down to the font on the credits being similar to a lot of early John Carpenter films).
In short, I loved this film, a solid, entertaining and often damn funny mix of action and horror. Who said they don't make 'em like they used to? A great night out.
Halloween (2007)
origins
Just remember people, Darth Vader used to be one cool villain before his 'origins' were explained.
So did Freddy.
So did Jason.
And now, Michael Myers. Thank you, fast food American sequels/remakes.
To any young aspiring film fan, I can only say this . . . A few years back some people decided to remake Psycho. How many people refer to it now? Seek out the originals of every remake, never have a snack when you can have a meal. I leave it to you, however, to make up your own mind.
Films are increasingly becoming more turgid thanks to visionless hacks like Eli Roth and Uwe Boll (though, kudos for the most stupid film ever, House Of The Dead).
Wanna see a good re-imagining? Watch 'John Carpenter's The Thing'. I am sure Mr. Zombie would agree.
This new 'Halloween' certainly has it's moments but like a lot of James Cameron films, the script sure could have used a polish. Sorry Rob, I know that nobody's perfect, I am just passing a personal comment. At least you've got three features under your belt in a relatively short time. Can't say I have, so who am I to pass judgement? Only a cinema fan.
Did love Malcolm McDowell's performance in the film though. Top notch.
Escape from L.A. (1996)
Well done to all involved!
Out of the shadow of the 90's came a few good films, and this one is top of my list! A remake? Perhaps. A retelling? Definitely. A ridicule of all things a sequel is thought to be? I thought so.
Listen to the soundtrack, to the songs in the background. What are they telling you? Mostly that you've been here before. Listen to the dialogue. John carpenter doesn't just write dialogue to fill gaps around the action. Look at the situation Snake finds himself in at the beginning of the film, same deal as E.F.N.Y, with the virus in his system.
Then take a look around at what Carpenter and all have created for you, an America not too different to the real one right now! And they were meant to poking fun! Also have a look at the Hollywood setting and listen to how everyone talks. It's all about deal making and clearing a profit and screwing people over to get it. But it's also a survival film, with everyone out for themselves, a situation I'm sure many film makers have found themselves in over the years.
This was a new breed of action film. A film with many layers and great characters. Which is the next point. The film's look is very retro, right down to the choice of actors. Nothing in the film is there by mistake.
The topper for me is the surf boarding sequence. I can only imagine Carpenter sat there thinking that there would be no way studio executives would allow it in the script but low and behold it ends up in the movie! It's a love note to the stupidity of Hollywood and I for one lap up every second of this film. Again and again and again.
There is a point to this film ladies and gents, so seek it out and enjoy. It's up to you what to make of it.
The Boys in Blue (1983)
Great film!
Will Hay and the gang are still the best but this is a very worthy try. And now, thanks to DVD it's back! In the UK anyway.
I remember my folks renting it on Betamax video years ago. Loved it then, love it more now. If you get a chance try and get the Will Hay original too - 'Ask A Policeman'.
Cannon and Ball were a comedy staple of 80's UK t.v. and this move into film is right up there with other comedy British films of the time like 'Are You Being Served? and 'Steptoe And Son'.
Yes it's silly, yes it's a little too fluffy and twee but those are the charming things about it. It was intended to be family entertainment and that's exactly what it is. Better than many modern family films ('Sleepover', 'Princess Diaries 2' and even the PG13 'Alien Vs Predator') and also filled with a cast that actually tries to create something most recent films have forgotten - memorable characters! Stand up Jon Pertwee and take a bow! If you like slapstick, farce, and comedy one liners then this is for you.